Baby April Murder Case

Police investigating the murder of a baby girl in Kent 16 years ago are making a new, direct appeal to the youngster's mother.

The newborn, named Baby April by detectives, was found beside Singleton Lake at Ashford, by a couple out walking in April 1995.

Now police, who have reopened the case, are urging her mother to come forward, and say the woman will be treated "sensitively and compassionately".

Detective Inspector Dave Withers, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate's cold case team, said : "We want to hear from you and hear your side of the story. We understand you may be worried or frightened by what happened. You may have been a young girl at the time and you may not have been alone.

"I urge you to contact me. I have specially-trained staff who you can speak to. They will listen to what you have to say and you will be dealt with sensitively and compassionately.''

Despite a large-scale inquiry by murder squad detectives in 1995, Baby April's parents were not identified and no one has been charged over her death.

Detectives hope advances in scientific techniques since then will now help solve the case. In March this year they were granted permission to exhume Baby April's body at Bybrook Cemetary in Ashford and carry out an examination.

A coroner was able to obtain a full DNA profile which it is hoped will help eliminate suspects and identify her parents.

Yesterday, officers attended a private burial service for the little girl, at Bybrook Cemetary. Colourful flowers were laid around the final resting place of the girl, and a metal plate engraved with the words "Baby April'' marked her grave.

Detective Inspector Dave Withers, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate's cold case team, said today: "The forensic examination is now complete and we have therefore left baby April to rest in peace. I am really pleased with the progress of this investigation so far.

"With the help of our forensic science providers, we now have a full DNA profile of the child. Our next step is to identify the parents of the baby.''

Anyone with any information can contact officers on 01634 884044 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.